As advances in medical technology steadily lengthen the average human life span, we face the problem of maintaining mental acuity throughout our lives. In later years, many intellectual functions we once took for granted, such as memory tasks, require more effort and attention. However, maintaining good nutrition, continuing physical and intellectual activity and supplementing our diet with ginkgo may extend mental acuity for years.
Several factors contribute to weakening mental function. As we age, the number of brain cells, (neurons), steadily declines, partly because of oxidative damage caused by free radicals. The human brain loses about one-tenth of its mass between ages 20 and 75. Also, the conductivity of neuron membranes tends to decrease over time due to the gradual loss of critical phospholipids from the cell membrane and other structural components.
The brain requires adequate amounts of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. As we age, our gastrointestinal system absorbs essential nutrients from food less efficiently, and the circulatory system becomes less effective in delivering oxygen to the tissues. To function optimally in our later years, the central nervous system needs help to obtain the nutrients it needs.
Today's environment increasingly subjects us to toxic substances and pollutants, such as insecticides, solvents and heavy metals that can damage brain tissue. In addition our physiological response to stress restricts blood circulation in the brain, thus reducing the supply of oxygen and nutrients. Long-term stress may permanently damage nerve cells throughout the brain, particularly the key memory –handling areas of the cortex and hippocampus.
The Chinese have traditionally used Ginkgo biloba in herbal form for thousands of years, and an extract of ginkgo leaves has been used widely for decades in Europe for enhancing memory, attention span, and other neurological activity. Ginkgo extract contains a mix of bioflavonoids that provide antioxidant activity in the brain to fight free radical damage. Its most important role however is enhancing blood circulation throughout the body and improving oxygenation to the brain. More oxygen means more efficient use of other nutrients, which results in better mental performance, memory and general cognitive function.
Phospatidylserine
Phospatidylserine, or PS, is the ideal complement to Ginkgo biloba. PS is a component of all cell membranes and is essential to proper cell function. It is found in highest concentration in the cell membrane of neural tissues. As a nutrient, PS easily crosses the blood-brain barrier into the brain, where it facilitates nerve cell membrane functions.
More than 25 human clinical studies have been conducted on PS, including at least 12 double blind placebo controlled trials. Measurable effects included enhanced memory, attention and learning ability.
We can obtain PS in very small amounts from foods like fish, rice, soy products and leafy green vegetables.
